Lent Readings
- First reading: Isaiah 7:10-16
- Psalm: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
- Second reading: Romans 1:1-7
- Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25
“the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” Isaiah 7:14
When do you need God with you? When life feels overwhelming? When the odds are stacked against you?
King Ahaz did. He was a bad king in a terrible spot. His nation faced attack from a stronger enemy. God promised protection. The sign? A child called Immanuel—God with us.
Israel wasn’t to see the full sign for 700 years. But gladly for Ahaz, Israel’s rescue that day came fast. The child Isaiah spoke of is Jesus—the world’s Immanuel. In Jesus, God came close. He took human form. He walked among us. He taught, healed, suffered, and died. Jesus is God with us. For us. In us. Over us.
When have you needed that truth? In challenge? In isolation? Ahaz’s story reminds us: God can be with us even when we’re far from Him. That’s grace and faithfulness. But God wants more. He is with us so we can be with Him.
That’s the real promise of Christmas. Not just survival. Not just getting through the threats. But coming home. Living with God forever.
Amen,
Jason